Understanding the Entity and Its Environment and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement

Understanding the Entity and Its Environment 271 AU-C Section 315 Understanding the Entity and Its Environment and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement Source: SAS No. 122; SAS No. 128; SAS No. 130. Effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2012. Introduction Scope of This Section.01 This section addresses the auditor's responsibility to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements through understanding the entity and its environment, including the entity's internal control. Effective Date.02 This section is effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2012. Objective.03 The objective of the auditor is to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, at the financial statement and relevant assertion levels through understanding the entity and its environment, including the entity's internal control, thereby providing a basis for designing and implementing responses to the assessed risks of material misstatement. Definitions.04 For purposes of generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS), the following terms have the meanings attributed as follows: Assertions. Representations by management, explicit or otherwise, that are embodied in the financial statements as used by the auditor to consider the different types of potential misstatements that may occur. Business risk. A risk resulting from significant conditions, events, circumstances, actions, or inactions that could adversely affect an entity's ability to achieve its objectives and execute its strategies or from the setting of inappropriate objectives and strategies. Internal control. A process effected by those charged with governance, management, and other personnel that is designed to provide reasonable assurance about the achievement of the entity's objectives with regard to the reliability of financial reporting, 2017, AICPA AU-C 315.04

272 Risk Assessment and Response to Assessed Risks Requirements effectiveness and efficiency of operations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Internal control over safeguarding of assets against unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition may include controls relating to financial reporting and operations objectives. 1 Relevant assertion. A financial statement assertion that has a reasonable possibility of containing a misstatement or misstatements that would cause the financial statements to be materially misstated. The determination of whether an assertion is a relevant assertion is made without regard to the effect of internal controls. (Ref: par..a131) Risk assessment procedures. The audit procedures performed to obtain an understanding of the entity and its environment, including the entity's internal control, to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, at the financial statement and relevant assertion levels. Significant risk. An identified and assessed risk of material misstatement that, in the auditor's professional judgment, requires special audit consideration. Risk Assessment Procedures and Related Activities.05 The auditor should perform risk assessment procedures to provide a basis for the identification and assessment of risks of material misstatement at the financial statement and relevant assertion levels. Risk assessment procedures by themselves, however, do not provide sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the audit opinion. (Ref: par..a1.a5).06 The risk assessment procedures should include the following: a. Inquiries of management, appropriate individuals within the internal audit function (if such function exists), others within the entity who, in the auditor's professional judgment, may have information that is likely to assist in identifying risks of material misstatement due to fraud or error (Ref: par..a6.a13) b. Analytical procedures (Ref: par..a14.a17) c. Observation and inspection (Ref: par..a18) [As amended, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.].07 The auditor should consider whether information obtained from the auditor's client acceptance or continuance process is relevant to identifying risks of material misstatement..08 If the engagement partner has performed other engagements for the entity, the engagement partner should consider whether information obtained is relevant to identifying risks of material misstatement. 1 This section recognizes the definition and description of internal control contained in Internal Control Integrated Framework, published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. AU-C 315.05 2017, AICPA

Understanding the Entity and Its Environment 273.09 During planning, the auditor should consider the results of the assessment of the risk of material misstatement due to fraud 2 along with other information gathered in the process of identifying the risks of material misstatements..10 When the auditor intends to use information obtained from the auditor's previous experience with the entity and from audit procedures performed in previous audits, the auditor should determine whether changes have occurred since the previous audit that may affect its relevance to the current audit. (Ref: par..a19.a20).11 The engagement partner and other key engagement team members should discuss the susceptibility of the entity's financial statements to material misstatement and the application of the applicable financial reporting framework to the entity's facts and circumstances. The engagement partner should determine which matters are to be communicated to engagement team members not involved in the discussion. (Ref: par..a21.a23) Understanding the Entity and Its Environment, Including the Entity s Internal Control The Entity and Its Environment (Ref: par..a24).12 The auditor should obtain an understanding of the following: a. Relevant industry, regulatory, and other external factors, including the applicable financial reporting framework. (Ref: : par..a25.a29) b. The nature of the entity, including i. its operations; ii. its ownership and governance structures; iii. the types of investments that the entity is making and plans to make, including investments in entities formed to accomplish specific objectives; and iv. the way that the entity is structured and how it is financed, to enable the auditor to understand the classes of transactions, account balances, and disclosures to be expected in the financial statements. (Ref: par..a30.a34) c. The entity's selection and application of accounting policies, including the reasons for changes thereto. The auditor should evaluate whether the entity's accounting policies are appropriate for its business and consistent with the applicable financial reporting framework and accounting policies used in the relevant industry. (Ref: par..a35) d. The entity's objectives and strategies and those related business risks that may result in risks of material misstatement. (Ref: par..a36.a42) e. The measurement and review of the entity's financial performance. (Ref: par..a43.a48) The Entity s Internal Control.13 The auditor should obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit. Although most controls relevant to the audit are likely to 2 See section 240, Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit. 2017, AICPA AU-C 315.13

274 Risk Assessment and Response to Assessed Risks relate to financial reporting, not all controls that relate to financial reporting are relevant to the audit. It is a matter of the auditor's professional judgment whether a control, individually or in combination with others, is relevant to the audit. (Ref: par..a49.a74) Nature and Extent of the Understanding of Relevant Controls.14 When obtaining an understanding of controls that are relevant to the audit, the auditor should evaluate the design of those controls and determine whether they have been implemented by performing procedures in addition to inquiry of the entity's personnel. (Ref: par..a75.a77) Components of Internal Control.15 Control environment. The auditor should obtain an understanding of the control environment. As part of obtaining this understanding, the auditor should evaluate whether a. management, with the oversight of those charged with governance, has created and maintained a culture of honesty and ethical behavior and b. the strengths in the control environment elements collectively provide an appropriate foundation for the other components of internal control and whether those other components are not undermined by deficiencies in the control environment. (Ref: par..a78.a88).16 The entity's risk assessment process. The auditor should obtain an understanding of whether the entity has a process for a. identifying business risks relevant to financial reporting objectives, b. estimating the significance of the risks, c. assessing the likelihood of their occurrence, and d. deciding about actions to address those risks. (Ref: par..a89.a90).17 If the entity has established a risk assessment process (referred to hereafter as the entity's risk assessment process), the auditor should obtain an understanding of it and the results thereof. If the auditor identifies risks of material misstatement that management failed to identify, the auditor should evaluate whether an underlying risk existed that the auditor expects would have been identified by the entity's risk assessment process. If such a risk exists, the auditor should obtain an understanding of why that process failed to identify it and evaluate whether the process is appropriate to its circumstances or determine if a significant deficiency or material weakness exists in internal control regarding the entity's risk assessment process..18 If the entity has not established such a process or has an ad hoc process, the auditor should discuss with management whether business risks relevant to financial reporting objectives have been identified and how they have been addressed. The auditor should evaluate whether the absence of a documented risk assessment process is appropriate in the circumstances or determine whether it represents a significant deficiency or material weakness in the entity's internal control. (Ref: par..a91).19 The information system, including the related business processes relevant to financial reporting and communication. The auditor should obtain an understanding of the information system, including the related business processes relevant to financial reporting, including the following areas: AU-C 315.14 2017, AICPA

Understanding the Entity and Its Environment 275 a. The classes of transactions in the entity's operations that are significant to the financial statements. b. The procedures within both IT and manual systems by which those transactions are initiated, authorized, recorded, processed, corrected as necessary, transferred to the general ledger, and reported in the financial statements. c. The related accounting records supporting information and specific accounts in the financial statements that are used to initiate, authorize, record, process, and report transactions. This includes the correction of incorrect information and how information is transferred to the general ledger. The records may be in either manual or electronic form. d. How the information system captures events and conditions, other than transactions, that are significant to the financial statements. e. The financial reporting process used to prepare the entity's financial statements, including significant accounting estimates and disclosures. f. Controls surrounding journal entries, including nonstandard journal entries used to record nonrecurring, unusual transactions, or adjustments. (Ref: par..a92.a96).20 The auditor should obtain an understanding of how the entity communicates financial reporting roles and responsibilities and significant matters relating to financial reporting, including a. communications between management and those charged with governance and b. external communications, such as those with regulatory authorities. (Ref: par..a97.a98).21 Control activities relevant to the audit. The auditor should obtain an understanding of control activities relevant to the audit, which are those control activities the auditor judges it necessary to understand in order to assess the risks of material misstatement at the assertion level and design further audit procedures responsive to assessed risks. An audit does not require an understanding of all the control activities related to each significant class of transactions, account balance, and disclosure in the financial statements or to every assertion relevant to them. However, the auditor should obtain an understanding of the process of reconciling detailed records to the general ledger for material account balances. (Ref: par..a99.a105).22 In understanding the entity's control activities, the auditor should obtain an understanding of how the entity has responded to risks arising from IT. (Ref: par..a106.a109).23 Monitoring of controls. The auditor should obtain an understanding of the major activities that the entity uses to monitor internal control over financial reporting, including those related to those control activities relevant to the audit, and how the entity initiates remedial actions to deficiencies in its controls. (Ref: par..a110.a111) 2017, AICPA AU-C 315.23

276 Risk Assessment and Response to Assessed Risks.24 If the entity has an internal audit function, 3 the auditor should obtain an understanding of the nature of the internal audit function's responsibilities how the internal audit function fits in the entity's organizational structure, and the activities performed or to be performed. (Ref: par..a113.a120) [As amended, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.].25 The auditor should obtain an understanding of the sources of the information used in the entity's monitoring activities and the basis upon which management considers the information to be sufficiently reliable for the purpose. (Ref: par..a121) Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement.26 To provide a basis for designing and performing further audit procedures, the auditor should identify and assess the risks of material misstatement at a. the financial statement level and (Ref: par..a122.a125) b. the relevant assertion level for classes of transactions, account balances, and disclosures. (Ref: par..a126.a133).27 For this purpose, the auditor should a. identify risks throughout the process of obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment, including relevant controls that relate to the risks, by considering the classes of transactions, account balances, and disclosures in the financial statements; (Ref: par..a134.a135) b. assess the identified risks and evaluate whether they relate more pervasively to the financial statements as a whole and potentially affect many assertions; c. relate the identified risks to what can go wrong at the relevant assertion level, taking account of relevant controls that the auditor intends to test; and (Ref: par..a136.a138) d. consider the likelihood of misstatement, including the possibility of multiple misstatements, and whether the potential misstatement is of a magnitude that could result in a material misstatement. Risks That Require Special Audit Consideration.28 As part of the risk assessment described in paragraph.26, the auditor should determine whether any of the risks identified are, in the auditor's professional judgment, a significant risk. In exercising this judgment, the auditor should exclude the effects of identified controls related to the risk..29 In exercising professional judgment about which risks are significant risks, the auditor should consider at least a. whether the risk is a risk of fraud; b. whether the risk is related to recent significant economic, accounting, or other developments and, therefore, requires specific attention; 3 Paragraph.13 of section 610, Using the Work of Internal Auditors, defines the term internal audit function for purposes of GAAS. [Footnote added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.] AU-C 315.24 2017, AICPA

Understanding the Entity and Its Environment 277 c. the complexity of transactions; d. whether the risk involves significant transactions with related parties; e. the degree of subjectivity in the measurement of financial information related to the risk, especially those measurements involving a wide range of measurement uncertainty; and f. whether the risk involves significant transactions that are outside the normal course of business for the entity or that otherwise appear to be unusual. (Ref: par..a139.a143).30 If the auditor has determined that a significant risk exists, the auditor should obtain an understanding of the entity's controls, including control activities, relevant to that risk and, based on that understanding, evaluate whether such controls have been suitably designed and implemented to mitigate such risks. (Ref: par..a144.a146) Risks for Which Substantive Procedures Alone Do Not Provide Sufficient Appropriate Audit Evidence.31 In respect of some risks, the auditor may judge that it is not possible or practicable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence only from substantive procedures. Such risks may relate to the inaccurate or incomplete recording of routine and significant classes of transactions or account balances, the characteristics of which often permit highly automated processing with little or no manual intervention. In such cases, the entity's controls over such risks are relevant to the audit, and the auditor should obtain an understanding of them. (Ref: par..a147.a150) Revision of Risk Assessment.32 The auditor's assessment of the risks of material misstatement at the assertion level may change during the course of the audit as additional audit evidence is obtained. In circumstances in which the auditor obtains audit evidence from performing further audit procedures or if new information is obtained, either of which is inconsistent with the audit evidence on which the auditor originally based the assessment, the auditor should revise the assessment and modify the further planned audit procedures accordingly. (Ref: par..a151) Documentation.33 The auditor should include in the audit documentation 4 the a. discussion among the engagement team required by paragraph.11, the significant decisions reached, how and when the discussion occurred, and the audit team members who participated; b. key elements of the understanding obtained regarding each of the aspects of the entity and its environment specified in paragraph.12 and each of the internal control components specified in paragraphs.15.25, the sources of information from which the understanding was obtained, and the risk assessment procedures performed; c. identified and assessed risks of material misstatement at the financial statement level and at the relevant assertion level, as required by paragraph.26; and 4 Paragraphs.08.12 and.a8 of section 230, Audit Documentation. [Footnote renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.] 2017, AICPA AU-C 315.33

278 Risk Assessment and Response to Assessed Risks d. risks identified and related controls about which the auditor has obtained an understanding as a result of the requirements in paragraphs.28.31. (Ref: par..a152.a155) Application and Other Explanatory Material Risk Assessment Procedures and Related Activities (Ref: par..05).a1 Obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment, including the entity's internal control (referred to hereafter as an understanding of the entity), is a continuous, dynamic process of gathering, updating, and analyzing information throughout the audit. The understanding of the entity establishes a frame of reference within which the auditor plans the audit and exercises professional judgment throughout the audit when, for example assessing risks of material misstatement of the financial statements; determining materiality in accordance with section 320, Materiality in Planning and Performing an Audit; considering the appropriateness of the selection and application of accounting policies and the adequacy of financial statement disclosures; identifying areas for which special audit consideration may be necessary (for example, related party transactions, the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern assumption, considering the business purpose of transactions, or the existence of complex and unusual transactions); developing expectations for use when performing analytical procedures; responding to the assessed risks of material misstatement, including designing and performing further audit procedures to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence; and evaluating the sufficiency and appropriateness of audit evidence obtained, such as the appropriateness of assumptions and management's oral and written representations..a2 Information obtained by performing risk assessment procedures and related activities may be used by the auditor as audit evidence to support assessments of the risks of material misstatement. In addition, the auditor may obtain audit evidence about classes of transactions, account balances, or disclosures and relevant assertions and about the operating effectiveness of controls, even though such procedures were not specifically planned as substantive procedures or tests of controls. The auditor also may choose to perform substantive procedures or tests of controls concurrently with risk assessment procedures becauseitisefficienttodoso..a3 The auditor is required to exercise professional judgment 5 to determine the extent of the required understanding of the entity. The auditor's primary consideration is whether the understanding of the entity that has been obtained is sufficient to meet the objective stated in this section. The depth 5 Paragraph.18 of section 200, Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in Accordance With Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, requires the auditor to exercise professional judgment in planning and performing an audit. [Footnote renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.] AU-C 315.A1 2017, AICPA

Understanding the Entity and Its Environment 279 of the overall understanding that is required by the auditor is less than that possessed by management in managing the entity..a4 The risks to be assessed include both those due to fraud and those due to error, and both are covered by this section. However, the significance of fraud is such that further requirements and guidance are included in section 240, Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit, regarding risk assessment procedures and related activities to obtain information that is used to identify the risks of material misstatement due to fraud..a5 Although the auditor is required to perform all the risk assessment procedures described in paragraph.06 in the course of obtaining the required understanding of the entity (see paragraphs.12.25), the auditor is not required to perform all of them for each aspect of that understanding. Other procedures may be performed when the information to be obtained therefrom may be helpful in identifying risks of material misstatement. Examples of such procedures include the following: Reviewing information obtained from external sources, such as trade and economic journals; reports by analysts, banks, or rating agencies; or regulatory or financial publications Making inquiries of the entity's external legal counsel or valuation specialists whom the entity has used Inquiries of Management and Others Within the Entity (Ref: par..06a).a6 Much of the information obtained by the auditor's inquiries is obtained from management and those responsible for financial reporting. Information may also be obtained by the auditor through inquiries with the internal audit function, if the entity has such a function, and others within the entity. [As amended, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.].A7 The auditor also may obtain information or a different perspective in identifying risks of material misstatement through inquiries of others within the entity and other employees with different levels of authority. For example inquiries directed toward those charged with governance may help the auditor understand the environment in which the financial statements are prepared. Section 260 6 identifies the importance of effective two-way communication in assisting the auditor to obtain information from those charged with governance in this regard. inquiries of employees involved in initiating, authorizing, processing, or recording complex or unusual transactions may help the auditor to evaluate the appropriateness of the selection and application of certain accounting policies. inquiries directed toward in-house legal counsel may provide information about such matters as litigation, compliance with laws and regulations, knowledge of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity, warranties, postsales obligations, arrangements (such as joint ventures) with business partners, and the meaning of contract terms. inquiries directed toward marketing or sales personnel may provide information about changes in the entity's marketing strategies, sales trends, or contractual arrangements with its customers. 6 Paragraph.05d of section 260, The Auditor's Communication With Those Charged With Governance. [Footnote added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.] 2017, AICPA AU-C 315.A7

280 Risk Assessment and Response to Assessed Risks inquiries directed to the risk management function (or those performing such roles) may provide information about operational and regulatory risks that may affect financial reporting. inquiries directed to information systems personnel may provide information about system changes, system or control failures, or other information system-related risks. [Paragraph added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.].A8 Because obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment is a continual, dynamic process, the auditor's inquiries may occur throughout the audit engagement. [Paragraph added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.] Inquiries of the Internal Audit Function (Ref: par..06a).a9 If an entity has an internal audit function, inquiries of the appropriate individuals within the function may provide information that is useful to the external auditor in obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment and in identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement at the financial statement and assertion levels. In performing its work, the internal audit function is likely to have obtained insight into the entity's operations and business risks and may have findings based on its work, such as identified control deficiencies or risks, that may provide valuable input into the external auditor's understanding of the entity, the external auditor's risk assessments, or other aspects of the audit. The external auditor's inquiries, therefore, are made regardless of whether the external auditor expects to use the work of the internal audit function to modify the nature or timing or reduce the extent of audit procedures to be performed. 7 Inquiries of particular relevance may be about matters the internal audit function has raised with those charged with governance and the outcomes of the function's own risk assessment process. [Paragraph added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.].A10 If, based on responses to the external auditor's inquiries, it appears that there are findings that may be relevant to the entity's financial reporting and the audit, the external auditor may consider it appropriate to read related reports of the internal audit function. Examples of reports of the internal audit function that may be relevant include the function's strategy and planning documents and reports that have been prepared for management or those charged with governance describing the findings of the internal audit function's examinations. [Paragraph added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.].A11 In addition, in accordance with section 240, 8 if the internal audit function provides information to the external auditor regarding any actual, suspected, or alleged fraud, the auditor takes this into account in the external auditor's identification of risk of material misstatement due to fraud. [Paragraph added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.].A12 Appropriate individuals within the internal audit function with whom inquiries are made are those who, in the external auditor's judgment, 7 The relevant requirements are contained in section 610, Using the Work of Internal Auditors. [Footnote added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.] 8 Paragraph.19 of section 240. [Footnote added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.] AU-C 315.A8 2017, AICPA

Understanding the Entity and Its Environment 281 have the appropriate knowledge, experience, and authority (such as the chief internal audit executive or, depending on the circumstances, other personnel within the function). The external auditor may also consider it appropriate to have periodic meetings with these individuals. [Paragraph added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.] Considerations Specific to Governmental Entities (Ref: par..06a).a13 External auditors of governmental entities often have additional responsibilities with regard to internal control and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Inquiries of appropriate individuals in the internal audit function can assist the external auditors in identifying the risk of material noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations and the risk of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting. [Paragraph added, effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014, by SAS No. 128.] Analytical Procedures (Ref: par..06b).a14 Analytical procedures performed as risk assessment procedures may identify aspects of the entity of which the auditor was unaware and may assist in assessing the risks of material misstatement in order to provide a basis for designing and implementing responses to the assessed risks. Analytical procedures performed as risk assessment procedures may include both financial and nonfinancial information (for example, the relationship between sales and square footage of selling space or volume of goods sold). [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.].A15 Analytical procedures may enhance the auditor's understanding of the client's business and the significant transactions and events that have occurred since the prior audit and also may help to identify the existence of unusual transactions or events and amounts, ratios, and trends that might indicate matters that have audit implications. Unusual or unexpected relationships that are identified may assist the auditor in identifying risks of material misstatement, especially risks of material misstatement due to fraud. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.].A16 However, when such analytical procedures use data aggregated at a high level (which may be the situation with analytical procedures performed as risk assessment procedures), the results of those analytical procedures provide only a broad initial indication about whether a material misstatement may exist. Accordingly, in such cases, consideration of other information that has been gathered when identifying the risks of material misstatement together with the results of such analytical procedures may assist the auditor in understanding and evaluating the results of the analytical procedures. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.] Considerations Specific to Smaller, Less Complex Entities.A17 Some smaller entities may not have interim or monthly financial information that can be used for purposes of analytical procedures. In these circumstances, although the auditor may be able to perform limited analytical procedures for purposes of planning the audit or obtain some information through inquiry, the auditor may need to plan to perform analytical procedures to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement when an early draft of the entity's financial statements is available. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.] 2017, AICPA AU-C 315.A17

282 Risk Assessment and Response to Assessed Risks Observation and Inspection (Ref: par..06c).a18 Observation and inspection may support inquiries of management and others and also may provide information about the entity and its environment. Examples of such audit procedures include observation or inspection of the following: The entity's operations Documents (such as business plans and strategies), records, and internal control manuals Reports prepared by management (such as quarterly management reports and interim financial statements), those charged with governance (such as minutes of board of directors' meetings), and internal audit The entity's premises and plant facilities Information Obtained in Prior Periods (Ref: par..10).a19 The auditor's previous experience with the entity and audit procedures performed in previous audits may provide the auditor with information about such matters as past misstatements and whether they were corrected on a timely basis. the nature of the entity and its environment and the entity's internal control (including deficiencies in internal control). significant changes that the entity or its operations may have undergone since the prior financial period, which may assist the auditor in gaining a sufficient understanding of the entity to identify and assess risks of material misstatement..a20 Paragraph.10 requires the auditor to determine whether information obtained in prior periods remains relevant if the auditor intends to use that information for the purposes of the current audit. For example, changes in the control environment may affect the relevance of information obtained in the prior year. To determine whether changes have occurred that may affect the relevance of such information, the auditor may make inquiries and perform other appropriate audit procedures, such as walk-throughs of relevant systems. Discussion Among the Engagement Team (Ref: par..11).a21 The discussion among the engagement team about the susceptibility of the entity's financial statements to material misstatement provides an opportunity for more experienced engagement team members, including the engagement partner, to share their insights based on their knowledge of the entity. allows the engagement team members to exchange information about the business risks to which the entity is subject and about how and where the financial statements might be susceptible to material misstatement due to fraud or error. assists the engagement team members to gain a better understanding of the potential for material misstatement of the financial AU-C 315.A18 2017, AICPA

Understanding the Entity and Its Environment 283 statements in the specific areas assigned to them and to understand how the results of the audit procedures that they perform may affect other aspects of the audit, including the decisions about the nature, timing, and extent of further audit procedures. provides a basis upon which engagement team members communicate and share new information obtained throughout the audit that may affect the assessment of risks of material misstatement or the audit procedures performed to address these risks. This discussion may be held concurrently with the discussion among the engagement team that is required by section 240 to discuss the susceptibility of the entity's financial statements to fraud. 9 Section 240 further addresses the discussion among the engagement team about the risks of fraud. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.].A22 It is not always necessary or practical for the discussion to include all members in a single discussion (as in group audits), nor is it necessary for all the members of the engagement team to be informed of all the decisions reached in the discussion. The engagement partner may discuss matters with key members of the engagement team, including, if considered appropriate, those with specific skills or knowledge, and those responsible for the audits of components, while delegating discussion with others, taking account of the extent of communication considered necessary throughout the engagement team. A communications plan, agreed by the engagement partner, may be useful. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.] Considerations Specific to Smaller, Less Complex Entities.A23 Many small audits are carried out entirely by the engagement partner (who may be a sole practitioner). In such situations, it is the engagement partner who, having personally conducted the planning of the audit, would be responsible for considering the susceptibility of the entity's financial statements to material misstatement due to fraud or error. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.] Understanding the Entity and Its Environment, Including the Entity s Internal Control.A24 Appendix A, "Understanding the Entity and Its Environment," contains examples of matters that the auditor may consider in obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment. Appendix B, "Internal Control Components," contains a detailed explanation of the internal control components. The Entity and Its Environment Industry, Regulatory, and Other External Factors (Ref: par..12a).a25 Industry factors. Relevant industry factors include industry conditions such as the competitive environment, supplier and customer relationships, and technological developments. Examples of matters the auditor may consider include the market and competition, including demand, capacity, and price competition. cyclical or seasonal activity. 9 Paragraph.15 of section 240. [Footnote renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.] 2017, AICPA AU-C 315.A25

284 Risk Assessment and Response to Assessed Risks product technology relating to the entity's products. energy supply and cost..a26 The industry in which the entity operates may give rise to specific risks of material misstatement arising from the nature of the business or the degree of regulation. For example, long term contracts may involve significant estimates of revenues and expenses that give rise to risks of material misstatement. In such cases, it is important that the engagement team includes members with sufficient, relevant knowledge and experience, as required by section 220, Quality Control for an Engagement Conducted in Accordance With Generally Accepted Auditing Standards. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.].A27 Regulatory factors. Relevant regulatory factors include the regulatory environment. The regulatory environment encompasses, among other matters, the applicable financial reporting framework and the legal and political environment. Examples of matters the auditor may consider include the following: Accounting principles and industry-specific practices Regulatory framework for a regulated industry Laws and regulations that significantly affect the entity's operations, including direct supervisory activities Taxation (corporate and other) Government policies currently affecting the conduct of the entity's business, such as monetary (including foreign exchange controls), fiscal, financial incentives (for example, government aid programs), and tariffs or trade restrictions policies Environmental requirements affecting the industry and the entity's business.a28 Section 250, Consideration of Laws and Regulations in an Audit of Financial Statements, includes some specific requirements related to the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the entity and the industry or sector in which the entity operates. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.].A29 Other external factors. Examples of other external factors affecting the entity that the auditor may consider include the general economic conditions, interest rates and availability of financing, and inflation or currency revaluation. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.] Nature of the Entity (Ref: par..12b).a30 An understanding of the nature of an entity enables the auditor to understand such matters as whether the entity has a complex structure (for example, with subsidiaries or other components in multiple locations). Complex structures often introduce issues that may give rise to risks of material misstatement. Such issues may include whether goodwill, joint ventures, investments, or investments in entities formed to accomplish specific objectives are accounted for appropriately. AU-C 315.A26 2017, AICPA

Understanding the Entity and Its Environment 285 the ownership and relations between owners and other people or entities. This understanding assists in determining whether related party transactions and balances have been identified and accounted for appropriately. Section 550, Related Parties, addresses the auditor's considerations relevant to related parties..a31 Examples of matters that the auditor may consider when obtaining an understanding of the nature of the entity include business operations such as the nature of revenue sources, products or services, and markets, including involvement in electronic commerce, such as Internet sales and marketing activities. the conduct of operations (for example, stages and methods of production or activities exposed to environmental risks). alliances, joint ventures, and outsourcing activities. geographic dispersion and industry segmentation. the location of production facilities, warehouses, and offices and the location and quantities of inventories. key customers and important suppliers of goods and services. employment arrangements (including the existence of union contracts, pension and other postemployment benefits, stock option or incentive bonus arrangements, and government regulation related to employment matters). research and development activities and expenditures. transactions with related parties. investments and investment activities such as planned or recently executed acquisitions or divestitures. investments and dispositions of securities and loans. capital investment activities. investments in nonconsolidated entities, including partnerships, joint ventures, and investments in entities formed to accomplish specific objectives. financing and financing activities such as major subsidiaries and associated entities, including consolidated and nonconsolidated structures. debt structure and related terms, including off balance sheet financing arrangements and leasing arrangements. beneficial owners (local and foreign and their business reputation and experience) and related parties. the use of derivative financial instruments. financial reporting such as accounting principles and industry-specific practices, including industry-specific significant categories (for example, loans and investments for banks or research and development for pharmaceuticals). 2017, AICPA AU-C 315.A31

286 Risk Assessment and Response to Assessed Risks revenue recognition practices. accounting for fair values. foreign currency assets, liabilities, and transactions. accounting for unusual or complex transactions, including those in controversial or emerging areas (for example, accounting for stock-based compensation)..a32 Significant changes in the entity from prior periods may give rise to, or change risks of, material misstatement. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.].A33 Entities formed to accomplish specific purposes. An entity may form an entity that is intended to accomplish a narrow and well-defined purpose (for example, a variable interest entity), such as to effect a lease or a securitization of financial assets or to carry out research and development activities. It may take the form of a corporation, trust, partnership, or unincorporated entity. The entity on behalf of which an entity has been created may often transfer assets to the latter (for example, as part of a derecognition transaction involving financial assets), obtain the right to use the latter's assets, or perform services for the latter, and other parties may provide the funding to the latter. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.].A34 Financial reporting frameworks often specify detailed conditions that are deemed to amount to control or circumstances under which an entity should be considered for consolidation. The financial reporting frameworks also may specify different bases for recognition of income related to transactions with these entities. The interpretation of the requirements of such frameworks often involves a detailed knowledge of the relevant agreements involving an entity formed for a specific purpose. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.] The Entity's Selection and Application of Accounting Policies (Ref: par..12c).a35 An understanding of the entity's selection and application of accounting policies may encompass such matters as the methods the entity uses to account for significant and unusual transactions. the effect of significant accounting policies in controversial or emerging areas for which a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus exists. significant changes in the entity's accounting policies and disclosures and the reasons for such changes. financial reporting standards, and laws and regulations that are new to the entity and when and how the entity will adopt such requirements. the financial reporting competencies of personnel involved in selecting and applying significant new or complex accounting standards. Objectives and Strategies and Related Business Risks (Ref: par..12d).a36 The entity conducts its business in the context of industry, regulatory, and other internal and external factors. To respond to these factors, the entity's management or those charged with governance define objectives, which AU-C 315.A32 2017, AICPA

Understanding the Entity and Its Environment 287 are the overall plans for the entity. Strategies are the approaches by which management intends to achieve its objectives. The entity's objectives and strategies may change over time. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.].A37 Business risk is broader than the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, though it includes the latter. Business risk may arise from change or complexity. A failure to recognize the need for change also may give rise to business risk. Business risk may arise, for example, from the development of new products or services that may fail; a market that, even if successfully developed, is inadequate to support a product or service; or flaws in a product or service that may result in liabilities and reputational risk..a38 An understanding of the business risks facing the entity increases the likelihood of identifying risks of material misstatement. This is because most business risks will eventually have financial consequences and, therefore, an effect on the financial statements. However, the auditor does not have a responsibility to identify or assess all business risks because not all business risks give rise to risks of material misstatement. [Paragraph renumbered by the issuance of SAS No. 128, January 2015.].A39 Examples of matters that the auditor may consider when obtaining an understanding of the entity's objectives, strategies, and related business risks that may result in a risk of material misstatement of the financial statements include industry developments (a potential related business risk might be, for example, that the entity does not have the personnel or expertise to deal with the changes in the industry). new products and services (a potential related business risk might be, for example, product liability is increased). expansion of the business (a potential related business risk might be, for example, that the demand has not been accurately estimated). new accounting requirements (a potential related business risk might be, for example, incomplete or improper implementation or a cost increase). regulatory requirements (a potential related business risk might be, for example, that legal exposure is increased). current and prospective financing requirements (a potential related business risk might be, for example, financing is lost due to the entity's inability to meet requirements). use of IT (a potential related business risk might be, for example, systems and processes are incompatible). the effects of implementing a strategy, particularly any effects that will lead to new accounting requirements (a potential related business risk might be, for example, incomplete or improper implementation). 2017, AICPA AU-C 315.A39